First pictures of Mercedes F1 UPGRADES ‘leaked’ online ahead of Monaco GP

Matthew Hobkinson
Thursday 25 May 2023 10:57 - Updated: 13:28

Formula 1 journalist Albert Fabrega has taken to social media to share a photo of the reported new sidepods on the Mercedes W14 ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Silver Arrows were due to unveil a radical shake-up to their car at Imola prior to the race’s cancellation.

The team currently find themselves unable to compete with Red Bull in their dominant RB19 and many have pinned that on their notorious ‘zero pod’ design this season.

Nova carenagem lateral do W14.

📸 x #AMuS pic.twitter.com/DfYeARXMD7

— AMG News 🇧🇷 (@MercedesAMGF1BR) May 25, 2023

Comparativas de los nuevos pontones de Mercedes

New @MercedesAMGF1 sidepods comparissions #f1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/NuMcAYaPMe

— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) May 25, 2023

READ MORE: Mercedes release NEW W14 ‘upgrade pics’ ahead of F1 Monaco GP

However, Fabrega has now taken to social media to share what he claims is the “first image of the new Mercedes sidepods”.

Primera imagen de los muevos pontones de Mercedes.

First image of the new Mercedes sidepods. #f1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/su38hzjeDN

— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) May 24, 2023

The eight-time constructors’ champions appear to have confirmed the suspicions of many by doing away with the ‘zero pod’ look and following a more similar style to that of their rivals Red Bull.

Bringing a significant upgrade package to a narrow street circuit is sure to carry risk, as all eyes turn to what Toto Wolff is hoping to be a much-improved W14 this weekend.

The Austrian team principal has downplayed expectations somewhat to stop fans from getting carried away, after he claimed that “it won’t be a silver bullet”.

Mercedes currently sit third in the constructors’ standings – six points behind Aston Martin and 128 points behind Red Bull heading into Monaco.

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